ELECTRONIC BALLAST

Description

[0001] This invention relates generally to an electronic ballast for ignition of a high intensity discharge lamp, and more particularly to an electronic ballast for controlling the voltage and/or current applied to the lamp during the initial, non steady state operating modes.

[0002] In starting a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp, the lamp experiences three phases. These phases include breakdown, glow discharge, and thermionic arc. Breakdown requires a high voltage to be applied to the electrode. Following breakdown, the voltage must be high enough to sustain a glow discharge and heat the electrode to thermionic emission. Once thermionic emission commences, current must be maintained, in the run-up phase, until the electrode reaches its steady-state temperature. After achieving the arc state, the lamp can be operated with a lower level of current in the steady state operating mode.

[0003] The overall life and efficiency of a lamp are affected by this starting sequence as are the values and tolerances of the components required to effect this starting sequence. For ignition, in the pre-breakdown period, the lamp electrode must be brought to a high voltage for a specified duration. Conventional lamps are characterized by a minimum voltage level and time duration in achieving breakdown. Typical minimums range from about 2 to 3 KV for voltage and about 10-100 ms for time duration.

[0004] The high voltage requirements for breakdown can be achieved through pulse resonant circuits. The frequency at which the circuit achieves resonance and the resultant resonant voltage varies from circuit to circuit due to variation in component tolerances. Such variation results in the pulse resonant circuit being designed to withstand nominal pulse voltages of about 4 to 5 KV, that is, in the circuit being designed to withstand voltages which are well beyond the 2 to 3 KV range required to start the lamp. An undesirable increase in cost for the pulse resonant circuit can result,

[0005] Upon achieving breakdown, the lamp enters the non-thermionic glow state. In this phase, the voltage must be sufficiently high to maintain the flow of electrons. Electrons are produced by positive ion bombardment of the cathode which produces secondary electron emission. When the kinetic energy of the positive ions, determined by the cathode fall, is high enough, sputtering of the electrode occurs. Sputtering of the electrode produces volatile species of, for example, tungsten which condense on and blacken the inner surface of the lamp. As the interior of the lamp blackens, transmission of light through the envelope decreases reducing the visible light level. The pieces of tungsten which are deposited on the wall absorb radiation thereby heating the lamp wall above its optimum temperature. A reduction in lamp life can result.

[0006] A proper balance must be maintained between minimizing the glow state duration and electric field magnitude to maximize both lamp efficacy and lamp life. This balance is difficult to achieve since a decrease in the amount of energy supplied to the electrode will prolong the glow state duration while an increase in the amount of energy supplied to the electrode will shorten lamp life through an increase in sputtering.

[0007] As compared to the non-thermionic glow phase, during the thermionic arc phase, the lamp voltage is reduced and lamp current is increased. During the thermionic arc phase, residual sputtering can still occur. After applying a sufficiently high current to heat the electrode during the thermionic arc phase, the current is reduced and thereafter the lamp is operated under steady state conditions.

[0008] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved electronic ballast in which the variation in component tolerances can be decreased. The ballast should also provide a proper balance between minimizing the glow state duration and electric field magnitude to maximize both lamp efficacy and lamp life.

[0009] Generally speaking, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, an electronic ballast for starting a high intensity discharge lamp having breakdown, non-thermionic glow and thermionic arc phases prior to entering a steady state operating mode includes a resonant ignitor, an exciter and a controller. The resonant ignitor applies a lamp voltage across the lamp. The exciter is responsive to a varying control signal for exciting the resonant ignitor at a varying operating frequency. The controller produces the varying control signal based on the phase of the lamp. Prior to breakdown, the controller adjusts the control signal so as to decrease the operating frequency so as to sweep toward a lamp voltage equal to a predetermined ignition voltage. Upon entering the glow phase, the control signal is further adjusted for a predetermined time duration within the glow phase. Upon entering the thermionic arc phase, the controller further adjusts the control signal so as to increase lamp current.

[0010] The controller by adjusting the control signal so as to decrease the operating frequency in sweeping toward a lamp voltage equal to a predetermined ignition voltage can limit the maximum starting voltage so that electronic ballast components need not be designed to withstand voltages as high as 4 to 5 KV. The control signal also can be adjusted so as to provide a proper balance between minimizing the glow state duration and electric field magnitude to maximize both lamp efficacy and lamp life. In the non-thermionic glow phase, the frequency is adjusted so as to reduce the voltage to a level which is known to produce minimal blackening of the lamp surface while being sufficiently high to support continued non-thermionic emission. Of particular importance, the controller during the thermionic arc (i.e.run-up) phase further adjusts the frequency so as to increase the current, at a reduced voltage, so as to support the onset of thermionic emission, yet continue to minimize lamp blackening. Thereafter, the frequency is adjusted by the controller so as to reduce the current and increase the voltage to the steady state conditions for the lamp.

[0011] In a feature of the invention, the controller maintains the control signal at a preset operating frequency for a prefixed period of time during which the lamp voltage is held at the predetermined ignition voltage. By applying the predetermined voltage for, at most, a prefixed period of time, the stress on all components is reduced thereby extending their lives. In another feature of the invention, the controller can maintain the control signal at a preset operating frequency for a prefixed period of time during the non-thermionic glow phase. In yet another feature of the invention, the controller can maintain the control signal at a preset operating frequency for a prefixed period of time during the thermionic arc phase.

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved electronic ballast which improves lamp life and minimizes lamp blackening of an HID-lamp.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved electronic ballast which reduces the cost and complexity of the components required to effect turn on of the lamp and to avoid the premature failure of these components.

[0014] The invention accordingly comprises several steps in a relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the device embodying features of construction, a combination of elements and arrangement of parts which are adapted to effect such steps, all is exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an HID electronic ballast in accordance with the invention;

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate the transfer characteristics of a resonant ignitor during each phase of lamp turn on; and

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the methodology employed in accordance with the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a high frequency electronic ballast for a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. Lamp 9 is ignited by a resonant ignitor 3, which receives its excitation voltage and current from an exciter (e.g. a bridge circuit) 2. Exciter 2 is triggered by a control signal 40 which controls the generation of a high current signal 20 which excites resonant ignitor 3. The frequency of signal 20 and a resultant voltage 30 applied to lamp 9 is determined by control signal 40. High current signal 20 is in the form of a pulse train. Both exciter 2 and a detector 5 are powered by a power source 1. Control signal 40 is supplied by a controller (e.g. a microcontroller) 4. Frequency of operation by the exciter 2 is determined by control signal 40.

[0016] Figure 2a shows the transfer characteristics of resonant ignitor 3 in combination with lamp 9 prior to lamp breakdown. Lamp 9, in the non-conducting state, is effectively an open circuit, and resonant ignitor 3 has the transfer characteristics of a conventional resonant circuit. At a resonant frequency f_O, the voltage will be at a peak voltage Vp. Also shown in Figure 2a is a voltage V_MIN which represents the minimum specified voltage required to drive a lamp of a given type into breakdown provided that voltage is applied for a minimum specified time duration (not shown).

[0017] Ideally, resonant ignitor 3 is designed so that voltage V_P is equal to voltage V_MIN, that is, so that control signal 40 excites resonant ignitor 3 at exactly resonant frequency f_O whereby only the required minimum voltage V_MIN is applied. The value of the particular components within ignitor 3 will determine the particular value of frequency f_O, as well as a width d of a waveform about resonant frequency fo and the magnitude of peak voltage V_P.

[0018] As shown in figure 2a, exciting the circuit ofresonant ignitor 3 at a frequency of f_X produces a voltage V_X. If the specific values of frequency f_O and width d are such that voltage V_X is below voltage V_MIN, as shown in figure 2a, the lamp may not ignite. Conventional resonant ignitors are designed to assure that regardless of the variations in component values, frequency f_O is relatively constrained, and voltage V_P is sufficiently large so as to include a wide range of excitation frequencies at which voltage Vx can be at least equal to voltage V_MIN· Constraining the frequency f_O requires components with tight tolerances which increases the cost of the components. The peak voltage V_P of the conventional resonant ignitor is designed to be at least about one and one half to three times the required minimum voltage V_MIN to compensate for the deviation in breakdown characteristics among different lamps. Conventional ignitors are designed to operate at the peak voltage Vp for the specified minimum time duration in the event of excitation at about the resonant frequency fo. That is, the conventional resonant ignitor is designed to operate at twice the required voltage, introducing additional costs, as well as reduced component life.

[0019] In accordance with this invention, however, resonant ignitor 3 is operated at the minimum required voltage level V_MIN thereby avoiding the aforementioned additional costs and additional component stress. Controller 4 controls control signal 40 so as to initially excite the resonant ignitor at a frequency f_H well above the nominal resonant frequency. Controller 4 thereafter reduces the excitation frequency while monitoring through a detector 5 the voltage across lamp 9. By reducing the frequency toward the nominal resonant frequency, the voltage across lamp 9 will increase. When the measured voltage across lamp reaches V_MIN, at frequency f_i, controller 4 ceases reduction in frequency and continues to excite the lamp at this frequency for the specified minimum duration.

[0020] Voltage V_MIN and the minimum duration are the specified values at which all lamps of a given type are assured to ignite; some lamps will ignite at lower voltages and at shorter durations. Detector circuit 5 detects the flow of current through lamp 9. When lamp 9 ignites, current flows through lamp 9. Detector circuit 5 provides a current detected signal supplied to controller 4 once current begins to flow through lamp 9. In response to this signal, controller 4 effects the non-thermionic glow phase. Ignitor 3 operates at a frequency which produces voltage V_MIN until lamp current flows or until the minimum non-thermionic time duration elapses, whichever occurs sooner.

[0021] When lamp 9 does not enter breakdown there is no lamp current. The minimum time duration for breakdown will elapse. To minimize thermal stress, controller 4 pauses for a few moments to allow the components in the ballast to cool; thereafter, repeats the above process, starting with an excitation frequency of f_H. When the frequency is swept down to f_L (i.e. below the resonant frequency fo) before the resonant circuit produces the required minimum voltage V_MIN, controller 4 ceases the frequency sweep and restarts the above process. Typically, when voltage V_MIN has not been achieved, there is no need to pause to allow the components to cool.

[0022] The above process is continually repeated until the flow of lamp current is detected, at which point the lamp enters the non-thermionic glow phase. At breakdown, the impedance of lamp 9 changes from a virtual open circuit to a conductor of lamp current, thereby loading resonant ignitor 3.The transfer function associated with the glow phase is shown in figure 2b. The transfer function includes a relatively flat section 230 at low frequencies with a peak 235 about frequency f_O and thereafter falls off at a sloping section 237 for frequencies above frequency fo.

[0023] Parts of the electrode are sprayed or sputtered during the glow phase. The loss of material from the electrode will eventually lead to electrode failure, and the lost material adheres to the inner surface of the lamp, causing a blackening which decreases the amount of light emitted from the lamp. By design, or via life testing, an optimal glow phase voltage can be determined so as to maximize the effective life of the electrode and minimize the blackening of the lamp. In accordance with this invention, the frequency of operation will be adjusted so as to provide this optimal voltage to the lamp during the glow phase.

[0024] Depending upon the particular characteristics of the lamp, the optimal voltage can be achieved in a variety of ways. If there is very little variability in the transfer function for a given lamp type, specific frequency f_OPT associated with the optimal voltage V_OPT can be predefined in controller 4. Upon entering the glow phase, controller 4 will adjust control signal 40 so as to have resonant ignitor 3 produce optimal frequency f_OPT. When there is significant variability in the transfer function of lamps of the same type, an iterative approach can be employed wherein controller 4 sets the operating frequency to the nominal f_OPT, as discussed above. Thereafter, detector 5 compares the lamp voltage to voltage V_OPT and adjusts the excitation frequency to achieve voltage V_OPT. As shown in Figure 2b, frequency f_OPT is in the sloping section (falloff) 237 of the curve. When the measured voltage is below voltage V_OPT, the frequency of operation is reduced. When the measured voltage is above V_OPT, the frequency of operation is increased. As in the breakdown phase, a lower frequency limit f_L is set, beyond which the frequency is not adjusted.

[0025] The voltage is maintained at the optimal level throughout the glow phase. In accordance with the invention, when design or life tests indicate that the optimal voltage should be increased or decreased during the glow period, controller 4 is programmed to effect the tracking to this changing optimal level. In a first embodiment, the voltage is maintained at the optimal glow phase voltage for a predetermined time period (e.g. about one half second). In an alternative embodiment, in response to an increase in lamp current sensed by detector 5 when entering the thermionic arc phase, controller 4 readjusts the frequency of exciter 2 operation. During the glow phase as well as all subsequent phases, lamp current is continually monitored. When lamp current ceases, the entire process is repeated starting with the breakdown phase.

[0026] When thermionic emissions begin, at the start of the thermionic arc phase, lamp current increases and lamp voltage significantly decreases. Again, by design or life tests, an optimal run-up current I_OPT can be determined such that lamp 9 is brought to full thermionic emission as quickly as possible without causing excessive electrode degradation and blackening. In one embodiment, a run-up current of approximately 1.25 times to about twice the steady state current significantly reduces degradation and blackening. Following the thermionic arc (i.e. run-up) phase, lamp current is reduced to its steady state operating current. To effect this current control, either the current, voltage or impedance can be monitored with the frequency adjusted accordingly. Correlation between current and voltage for a particular lamp type during the thermionic phase is determined by design or test such that the run-up phase voltage V_R which produces I_OPT can be predefined. A typical transfer function corresponding to the thermionic arc phase is shown in figure 2c. In operation, controller 4 adjusts the control signal 40 so as to adjust the operating frequency until the lamp voltage is equal to voltage V_R..

[0027] Often a broad range of voltages or currents is available within which optimal performance can be achieved while minimizing degradation and blackening. Under these conditions or when optimal performance is not required, a nominal resonant frequency f_R can be defined with controller 4 programmed to adjust the operating frequency to this nominal frequency. Iterative frequncy adjustment in achieving optimal values for current or voltage is therefore not necessarily required in either the glow or arc phase.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the method for controlling the starting of a lamp. To ignite lamp 9, the operating frequency f is set to f_H at a step 310. The loop formed by a series of steps 320-328 decreases the frequency until the lamp voltage reaches voltage V_MIN. The lamp voltage is measured at step 320. At a step 328, the operating frequency is decreased provided that the lamp voltage has not yet reached voltage V_MIN (as determined at a step 324) and the operating frequency is not at or below lower frequncy limit f_L (as determined at a step 326). When the lower frequency limit has been reached, the frequency is reset to f_H at step 310. Lamp current is monitored throughout this process including at a step 315. Once lamp 9 ignites, as determined at step 315, the process enters the glow phase through a step 340.

[0029] When the lamp voltage has reached voltage V_MIN and lamp current is not yet flowing, a duration timer is started at a step 330. The process loops through a series of steps 334-336 until either lamp current flows as determined at step 334 or the minimum lamp ignition duration DMIN has elapsed as determined at step 336. When the minimum lamp ignition duration DMIN has elapsed, the process enters a cool down period at a step 312 and is then restarted at step 310. When at step 334 it is detemined that lamp current is flowing, the process enters the glow phase through step 340.

[0030] At step 340, the operating frequency is set to the nominal glow phase optimal frequency f_OPT. An iterative process can be employed, similar to the loop at steps 320-328 so as to adjust the frequency to achieve voltage V_OPT. In a preferred embodiment of the electronic ballast, the operating frequency is held at the nominal frequency f_OPT for a duration DOPT via steps 344-346. Lamp current is monitored at step 346. When lamp 9 is extinguished, as indicated by the cessation of current, and following a cool down period at step 312 the process is restarted through step 310. After the duration DOPT elapses, the process enters the run-up phase through step 350.

[0031] At step 350, the operating frequency is set to the nominal run-up phase frequency f_R. An iterative process can be employed similar to the loop at steps 320-328 to adjust the frequency to achieve voltage V_R or current I_OPT. In the preferred embodiment, the operating frequency is held at the nominal frequency f_R for a duration DR through a series of steps 354-356. After the duration DR elapses, the process returns to a step 395 to enter the steady state mode of operation.

[0032] As can now be readily appreciated, through precise control by controller 4 of the exciter frequency throughout the three phases of ignition, a reduction can be had in lamp degradation and blackening. In particular, lower voltage and power ballasts components can be employed. A reduction in the stress on these components is also achieved.

[0033] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above and those made apparent from the preceeding description are efficiently attained. Certain changes can be made to the electronic ballast providing the above method and of the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, for example, controller 4 can comprise a voltage or current detector obviating the need for a discrete voltage comparator or current detector 5. Controller 4 can provide excitation signal 20 directly to resonant ignitor 3; and ignitor 3 can be made from voltage multipliers which need not achieve high voltage signals for lamp ignition through resonance. Although the invention has been described in terms of high ignition voltage lamps, the principles embodied herein are not limited to lamps which require high ignition voltages.

Claims

1. An electronic ballast for starting a high intensity discharge lamp (9) having breakdown, non-thermionic glow and thermionic arc phases prior to entering a steady state operating mode, comprising:

a resonant ignitor (3) for applying a lamp voltage across the lamp;

an exciter (2), responsive to a varying control signal, for exciting the resonant ignitor at a varying operating frequency; and

a controller (4) for producing the varying control signal based on the phase of the lamp;

   wherein prior to breakdown the controller adjusts the control signal so as to decrease the operating frequency so as to sweep towards a lamp voltage equal to a predetermined ignition voltage and wherein upon entering the glow phase the controller further adjusts the control signal for a predetermined time duration within the glow phase and wherein upon entering the thermionic arc phase the controller further adjusts the control signal so as to increase lamp current.

2. The electronic ballast as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller maintains the control signal at a preset operating frequency for a prefixed period of time (330, 336) during which the lamp voltage is held at the predetermined ignition voltage.

3. The electronic ballast as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller maintains the control signal at a preset operating frequency for a prefixed period of time (334) during the non-thermionic glow phase.

4. The electronic ballast as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the controller maintains the control signal at a preset operating frequency for a prefixed period of time (354) during the thermionic arc phase.

5. The electronic ballast as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the operating frequency of the exciter is lower in the thermionic arc phase than in the non-thermionic glow phase.

Ansprüche

1. Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät zum Zünden einer Hochleistungsentladungslampe (9) mit Durchbruch, nicht thermionischer Glimm- und thermionischer Lichtbogenphase vor Übergehen in einen Dauerbetriebszustand, welches aufweist:

einen Resonanzignitor (3) zum Anlegen einer Lampenspannung an die Lam-pe;

einen Exciter (2), welcher auf ein variables Steuersignal anspricht, um den Resonanzignitor auf einer variablen Betriebsfrequenz zu halten; sowie

eine Steuereinheit (4) zur Erzeugung des variablen Steuersignals auf Grund der Phase der Lampe;

   wobei vor Durchbruch die Steuereinheit das Steuersignal so regelt, dass sich die Betriebsfrequenz verringert, um eine Lampenspannung zu erreichen, welche einer vorgegebenen Zündspannung entspricht, wobei bei Eintreten in die Glimmphase die Steuereinheit das Steuersignal während eines vorgegebenen Zeitraums in der Glimmphase weiter regelt, und wobei bei Übergehen in die thermionische Lichtbogenphase die Steuereinheit das Steuersignal weiter so regelt, dass der Lampenstrom ansteigt.

2. Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit das Steuersignal während eines zuvor festgelegten Zeitraums (330,336), in welchem die Lampenspannung auf der vorgegebenen Zündspannung gehalten wird, auf einer voreingestellten Betriebsfrequenz hält.

3. Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Steuereinheit das Steuersignal während eines zuvor festgelegten Zeitraums (334) in der nicht thermionischen Glimmphase auf einer voreingestellten Betriebsfrequenz hält.

4. Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei die Steuereinheit das Steuersignal während eines zuvor festgelegten Zeitraums (354) in der thermionischen Lichtbogenphase auf einer voreingestellten Betriebsfrequenz hält.

5. Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät nach Anspruch 1, 2, 3 oder 4, wobei die Betriebsfrequenz des Exciters in der thermionischen Lichtbogenphase niedriger als in der nicht thermionischen Glimmphase ist.

Revendications

1. Ballast électronique pour l'allumage d'une lampe à décharge haute intensité (9) ayant des phases de claquage, de luminescence non thermo-ionique et d'arc thermo-ionique avant de n'entrer dans un mode de fonctionnement d'état permanent comprenant:

un amorceur résonnant (3) pour appliquer une tension de lampe aux bornes de la lampe;

un excitateur (2) qui est sensible à un signal de commande variable pour exciter l'amorceur résonnant à une fréquence de fonctionnement variable; et

un contrôleur (4) pour produire le signal de commande variable sur la base de la phase de la lampe;

   où, avant le claquage, le contrôleur ajuste le signal de commande de manière à diminuer la fréquence de fonctionnement de manière à balayer vers une tension de lampe qui est égale à une tension d'amorçage prédéterminée et où, à l'entrée dans la phase de luminescence, le contrôleur ajuste encore le signal de commande pendant une durée prédéterminée dans la phase de luminescence et, à l'entrée dans la phase d'arc thermo-ionique, le contrôleur ajuste encore le signal de commande de manière à augmenter le courant de lampe.

2. Ballast électronique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le contrôleur maintient le signal de commande à une fréquence de fonctionnement préréglée pendant une période temporelle préfixée (330, 336) au cours de laquelle la lampe est maintenue à la tension d'amorçage prédéterminée.

3. Ballast électronique selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le contrôleur maintient le signal de commande à une fréquence de fonctionnement préréglée pendant une période temporelle préfixée (334) au cours de la phase de luminescence non thermo-ionique.

4. Ballast électronique selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel le contrôleur maintient le signal de commande à une fréquence de fonctionnement préréglée pendant une période temporelle préfixée (354) au cours de la phase d'arc thermo-ionique.

5. Ballast électronique selon la revendication 1, 2, 3 ou 4, dans lequel la fréquence de fonctionnement de l'excitateur est plus basse dans la phase d'arc thermo-ionique que dans la phase de luminescence non thermo-ionique.

Drawing